Braves place Simmons on 15-day disabled list
The Braves placed Andrelton Simmons on the 15-day disabled list Monday, a day after the rookie shortstop injured his right hand on a head-first slide.
An examination by team Associate Physician Dr. Gary Lourie Monday confirmed Simmons has a non-displaced fracture of the fifth metacarpal (pinkie finger). He will be in a cast for four weeks and re-evaluated after it is removed. No further timetable for Simmons’ return was announced.
According to the team, a corresponding roster move will not be announced until at least Thursday, the day before the Braves return from the All-Star break and open a home series against the Mets.
Simmons suffered the injury on a slide into second base against the Phillies on Sunday. He was X-rayed at Citizens Bank Park and wore a splint after the game. Typically, the injury can require four to six weeks to heal and even longer if surgery is required.
“Stuff happens,” Simmons said after Sunday’s game. “I’ve got to live with the consequences. It’s tough, but I can’t do anything about it now.”
Simmons has a .296 average with three home runs and 15 RBIs in 33 games since being called up from Double-A and making his major-league debut on June 2. He won NL rookie of the month for June, after leading all league rookies in batting average (.333), on-base percentage (.365) and hits (30) in his first month in the major leagues. The offense has been a bonus as Simmons has provided solid defensive play.
The Braves have veteran Jack Wilson as the backup shortstop. They also have Tyler Pastornicky, who started the season in the majors before Simmons was called up, at Triple-A Gwinnett. They might also decide to try to add a shortstop via trade before the July 31 non-waiver deadline. Braves general manager Frank Wren indicated Sunday he and his staff would make a decision over the All-Star break.
- Chris Vivlamore
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256 comments Add your comment
Billy
July 9th, 2012
4:14 pm
first!
Henry
July 9th, 2012
4:15 pm
Sure hate it.
A little good news for today: It’s Monday, and the Braves won’t lose.
Chris Barrett
July 9th, 2012
4:16 pm
First? Bad luck! Go BRAVES!!!
Frank
July 9th, 2012
4:19 pm
I bet the Braves will end up trying to trade for someone like Jamey Carroll or Brendan Ryan.
Kashi
July 9th, 2012
4:20 pm
Another great news for today: It’s Monday, and the Braves won’t WIN.
Wendell
July 9th, 2012
4:22 pm
Bring back the Thrashers.
chc4
July 9th, 2012
4:22 pm
Too bad but if I hear one more time about what an awful loss this is I’ll puke. We should be able to overcome it. Personally I don’t think we are a playoff team even with him. But I hate the excuses. Other teams have lost far better players than Simmons for stretches and gotten through it. Fact is we are a starting pitcher, maybe 2, short of being an October threat. I suspect if Wren makes a move it’ll be for someone cheap (and not very good) like Jason Vargas from Seattle.
iTiSi
July 9th, 2012
4:22 pm
Here’s betting AS won’t be sliding head first any longer. The intelligent ones that do it now, clench a batting glove in each hand so their hands are closed like a fist. BTW, that also would have kept Freddie Freeman from getting his hand injury, from which he is still “paying the price”. These highly paid athletes need to get some “smarts”. Maybe a manager with half a brain might show some responsibility and lay down the law. Of course we do have to consider WHO we are talking about here!
Slips
July 9th, 2012
4:23 pm
I think you gotta go Wilson/Rev most of the way down the road until Simmons is back. How quickly we forget how awful it was watching the Rev play 5 innings only to be spelled by Wilson late in the game because Rev couldn’t hang defensively. An addition seems unnecessary at SS unless he’s going to be out for 6-10 weeks, which seems excessive, OR unless we can steal somebody versatile for the cheap-cheap.
Ryan
July 9th, 2012
4:23 pm
Time to make a deal, Frank. Playing Wilson is like having two pitchers in the line up and Pastornicky is a butcher at short.
Go and get someone who can be a useful utility piece once Simmons comes back.
jason
July 9th, 2012
4:23 pm
I think the blue jays are trying to move Escobar, and he is more mature and i think freddie can handle jim, beside he can rake and thats what we need.. just my opinion
space monkey
July 9th, 2012
4:24 pm
Need a half-year rental shortstop and an ace pitcher. I have no idea how we’ll find both.
Stoned Mountain
July 9th, 2012
4:29 pm
Sounds like AS will be in a cast that allows him to stay in physical shape a minimize his absence. It would be interesting to see a description of the cast, and a suggestion of how inhibiting it would be.
PMC
July 9th, 2012
4:30 pm
If Pastornicky can show he has improved his defense, I wonder if he might stick around on a postseason roster over Wilson because he’s been a pretty good hitter.
Bobby Bobby
July 9th, 2012
4:30 pm
Jason – with Larry Wayne Jrs comments about Escobar after the trade, bringing him back would be tough. Wren will find a cheap unproductive replacement.
Reid in EAV
July 9th, 2012
4:30 pm
How is Ben Sheets doing? Any hope of an impact there?
Memphis
July 9th, 2012
4:30 pm
Braves don’t need Escobar. Simmons is SS of the future. You need more of a rental/utility type……Brendan Ryan is a name that rings the bell. Someone to start until Simmons comes back.
Spider29
July 9th, 2012
4:32 pm
I didn’t see the game yesterday but my understanding of what happened was that Andrelton was running out a double and slid into second to beat the throw from the outfielder. If that is the case, he didn’t have time to pull out two batting gloves to hold onto as he ran. However, I agree that the players need to slide feet-first rather than head-first.
Frank
July 9th, 2012
4:32 pm
Yunel Escobar has about as good of a chance at playing SS for ATL in the future as I do.
The Braves Blog » Blog Archive » Braves place Andrelton Simmons on 15-day disabled list | Atlanta Braves
July 9th, 2012
4:33 pm
[...] the rest: http://blogs.ajc.com/atlanta-braves-blog/2012/07/09/braves-place-simmons-on-15-day-disabled-list/?cx... [Comments [...]
Matt
July 9th, 2012
4:33 pm
Go for a left field power bat and let Prado spend the rest of the year at SS, the guy can play anywhere!
Frank
July 9th, 2012
4:35 pm
This isn’t the time to start experimenting with guys at new positions.
Braves rookie shortstop Andrelton Simmons out at least a month with broken finger | HardballTalk
July 9th, 2012
4:35 pm
[...] right pinkie finger in the first-half finale and the Braves have placed him on the disabled list, announcing that he’ll be wearing a cast on the finger for at least four [...]
the truth...
July 9th, 2012
4:35 pm
@iTiSi
…..and you got to get the fact that he wasn’t running from 1st to 2nd on a steal or whatever….he was running from the batters box….
….I guess he should have been taking his gloves off and getting them in position to hold them when he was to slide into 2nd?????????????
Geez this was discussed yesterday after the game by dozens of bloggers….
Fact is he is an excellent SS and has the tools, instincts and guts to be a great one for years to come. Ask Sutton, Murph, Chipper and the veterans what they think about him and to a person he is mentioned to be the shortstop we’ve been hoping for for years….
Tgram
July 9th, 2012
4:35 pm
This is a tough break (no pun intended), but Simmons should be able to come back good as new after it heals. I don’t see any sense in making a deal for a shortstop given that he should only be out for a month or month and a half. Wilson and Pastornicky are at least capable. This will, however, cost the team in the “wins against replacement” department. Simmons’s defensive abilities have saved several runs for the Braves, and his offense won’t be matched.
htownbravesfan
July 9th, 2012
4:35 pm
There is no way possible you can play Jack Wilson on an everyday basis. He’s about as close as you can get to an automatic out from a position player. You either play Pastornicky, or you go out and get someone else. Either way, Wilson is more than likely a goner when Simmons gets back.
Memphis
July 9th, 2012
4:36 pm
Prado CAN NOT play Short! He would be worse defensively the Pastor. I’d roll with Jack Wilson over Pastor for the defense. You don’t have to have offensive production if guys like Heyward, Freeman, McCann and Uggla are getting on base and driving in runs. Now if they’re not……
Duh!
July 9th, 2012
4:37 pm
For all, both here and elsewhere, who are complaining that AS should have been holding his batting gloves, you obviously weren’t watching the game. It was a hustle double – he didn’t have time to pull his gloves off. Sliding head first is done all the time and, yeah, sometimes people get hurt. But they get hurt sliding feet first as well. It’s part of the game. Why do people want to further sissify this great game?
Eric
July 9th, 2012
4:38 pm
Pick up Carlos Quentin and move Prado to Short Stop = Genious
reckingball
July 9th, 2012
4:38 pm
It’s all Roger McDowell’s fault, Leo never let any of the SS’s get their fingers broke, when he was the pitching coach.
Frank
July 9th, 2012
4:39 pm
Tgram
That’s kinda the point with regard to trading for a stopgap SS like a Brendan Ryan or Jamey Carroll. Pastornicky won’t provide solid defense. Wilson can play solid defense but can’t hit. Ryan is an excellent defensive shortstop and Carroll is solid enough defensively (and can play all across the infield) and can contribute a little w/the bat. Neither of those guys should cost much and if they do well, the Braves could possibly drop Wilson once Simmons returns.
Brave New World
July 9th, 2012
4:40 pm
If we go with Pastornicky and Wilson, Pastornicky will be ok offensively and Wilson will be the late inning defensive replacement. Since Simba was so good on defense, we need for the offense to step it up in the second half and score more runs to compensate for reduced defense at short. Hoepfully, Simba will heal well and be back in September.
Memphis
July 9th, 2012
4:41 pm
PRADO CAN NOT PLAY SHORT
reckingball
July 9th, 2012
4:42 pm
The answer to the SS replacement problem is right there in AAA.
Bring Constanza up, and let him fill in at SS, he’s a superstar, don’t you know?
Matt
July 9th, 2012
4:42 pm
Why couldn’t Prado play short? He is excellent at both second and third so he has the skill and instincts to play the position, he is the second fastest player on the team and has an excellent arm so has the range, what am I missing?
Mikey
July 9th, 2012
4:43 pm
iTiSi: When is the runner who is attempting to stretch a single into a double supposed to clench a batting glove in his hand? Freddie’s injury was the result of attempting to break up a double play and he was going feet first. Ever watch baseball?
Memphis
July 9th, 2012
4:45 pm
Prado has never played short. Not in the minors, not in Winter League, EVER! Playing SS is a lot different than playing 2nd or 3rd. I love Prado, but having a guy play short, whose NEVER played short…….there’s probably a reason he’s never played it.
Eric
July 9th, 2012
4:46 pm
Agreed….I don’t see why Prado can’t play short—-go get a power bat like Quentin…then when Simmons gets back, we either have 1) a Deep Bench or 2) 4 great OF’s—a great problem to have. Prado can and IMO will play SS for the next 8-10 weeks or beyond.
Ralph
July 9th, 2012
4:46 pm
Braves needed anlother SS anyway and i’m not talking about Pastor either. They need to find a SS that can hit as good as Pastor and field as good as Wilson, then when Simba comes back, probably about the time of the Sept call ups they could then release Wilson
reckingball
July 9th, 2012
4:48 pm
The bad thing about the play, was that Simmons could have went in feet first and been safe easily. But I guess it is hard to judge that when you are doing the running, like he was.
adam
July 9th, 2012
4:49 pm
maybe they can trade prospects for nat mclouth and teach nat how to play infield. he might hit .150 but hey, what Braves player in the past ten years has been known for his hitting?
Sad Sack
July 9th, 2012
4:50 pm
Is there some reason why you can’t make a fist with your hand w/o holding onto a batting glove first?
Heisenberg
July 9th, 2012
4:52 pm
You guys are just not getting creative enough with the same old boring Prado to SS and a LF platoon. Move Chipper to SS, Freeman to 3B, Mac to 1B, & put Ross in at C. Or better yet, call up Elvis A….wait, nevermind.
Chipper Jones
July 9th, 2012
4:52 pm
Eric
If you knew anything about baseball you would know why!
Mikey
July 9th, 2012
4:52 pm
Feet first is the proper/safe and the aggessive way to slide, if only, you can pop back up and advance another base if the ball gets away. Ask Lou Brock and Maury Wills.
Chipper Jones
July 9th, 2012
4:54 pm
I believe he has played short a couple of times and it wasn’t his cup of tea
Matt
July 9th, 2012
4:55 pm
I like Heisenberg’s idea, sounds exactly like what Freddy will do.
Dawgdad (The Original)
July 9th, 2012
4:55 pm
Someone needs to ban head first sliding, especially into first base. Prado, Infante, and how many others have we lost doing these dumb slides. Studies have shown that you get to first faster if you run thru the bag instead of sliding. The only reason to slide into first is to avoid a tag on an errant throw that pulls the first baseman off the base.
HF slides into other bases should be rare, maybe in game winning situations, otherwise totally banned. HF slides into home should come with a hefty fine. I would think a smart manager would institute such a policy to protect his assets.
Blaze
July 9th, 2012
4:56 pm
Matt…..Matt,……Matt……What are you missing?
Answer: Well, to play SS in any professional league, you must have hands. It is obvious that (while Prado can play about anywhere) Prado would have trouble at SS due to his hands. THey are good to average. His range for 3B is very good. His range for 2B is good. He would be poor at best at SS. Yes he could play, but you would think that Pastornicky should have a gold glove or two after comparing him to Prado. Prado is versatile but he is not at SS. Not at the Big League level.
I’m not saying put Pastornicky at SS. I do agree with Matt that we need some offense and a very good glove. Go get somebody. Release Wilson. Give Pastornicky more seasoning to become the next versatile utility man that he needs to become.
jim
July 9th, 2012
4:57 pm
Since his arrival in Atlanta, Jack Wilson has not had any extended playing time. He gets 1 or 2 ABs a week and is called upon to bunt in some pinch hit assignments. His offense has been pitiful, but he was hitting about 260 in Seattle before coming over, and hit OK in Pittsburgh during his tenure with the Pirates. A trade for a Brendan Ryan type will cost the Braves a mid-level prospect and won’t add much more offense. Give Wilson a week or so of steady play to see if his offense picks up to the point he is serviceable. Let the Rev be his backup. If we can get by with that for a month, we’ll know before the trade deadline. Wilson was signed last winter for just such an eventuality. Give it a couple of weeks to see if we can get by — the alternatives might not be any better.
Chipper Jones
July 9th, 2012
4:58 pm
Sad Sack
July 9th, 2012
Make a fist and break your knuckle instead of your pinkie.
1eyedJack
July 9th, 2012
5:01 pm
“How is Ben Sheets doing? Any hope of an impact there?”
Unimpressive in his first minor league start.
Vinny
July 9th, 2012
5:02 pm
You feel like Prado could play short for a couple weeks…
Heisenberg
July 9th, 2012
5:04 pm
Seriously, this does not warrant any discussion. Braves will call up Pastornicky and use Wilson for late inning defense. Because after all it is only the 15 day DL and Fredi is optimistic Simmons will be ready to go by then. Fredi thought he would be OK after resting during the AS break but they went ahead with the DL just to play it safe.
Columbus
July 9th, 2012
5:04 pm
Call up Constanza, put him lin eft and let Prado play short!
I would personally choose pitching over a short-term/half season shortstop. Hes only going to be out 4 weeks max. You can tell with his demeanor and desire he will be back soon. Pastornicky can hit and Wilson can play D too but I would rather have Georgie in the lineup. Hes a spark splug and can win some games with his speed and getting on base. Good outfielder too. Rather have a pitcher unless Braves can afford a good hitting shortstop AND a GOOD pitcher. Dont want just another arm that will suck half the time either so spend it all on a GOOD pitcher IMO.
(Rob from SC)
July 9th, 2012
5:08 pm
1eyedJack
July 9th, 2012
5:01 pm
“How is Ben Sheets doing? Any hope of an impact there?”
Unimpressive in his first minor league start.
That is the first negative comment I’ve heard about Sheet’s first start.
Velocity was good and he got better as his outing progressed.
Tgram
July 9th, 2012
5:08 pm
Frank,
I’d be more in agreement with trading for a shortstop if Simmons were going to be gone THAT long. As it stands, it’s only a few weeks. Pastoricky is adequate until Simmons comes back.
Lew
July 9th, 2012
5:08 pm
Simmons cast will be on for at last four weeks. Not certain how he’s gong to be ready to play ion 15 days. He could always hit Fredi upside the head with the cast if he forgets.
Columbus
July 9th, 2012
5:09 pm
Sorry for the typo. Constanza in left. Prado at short. Or Pastornicky or a combo of both depending on the opposing pitcher.
Would be better overall on D and scoring runs with Constanza and Prado than Pastronicky unless his defense has improved that much since he was sent down….I like Wilson sometimes and Prado sometimes with Constanza in left. I would give it a shot. Thats my 2 cents. I think Constanza will be hot if he gets called back up….
Homer the Brave
July 9th, 2012
5:11 pm
I predict Jamey Carroll will be a Brave within the next 7 days.
Columbus
July 9th, 2012
5:11 pm
Prado has played some short. He can play the hot corner so the glove is no issue and he has decent range and he can adequately turn the DP. Prado will be jsut as good or better than Pastornicky at short. No doubt.
Lew
July 9th, 2012
5:14 pm
Prado played eight games at shortstop 5 years ago in the minors and two games at short 4 years ago. Think there might be a reason he hasn’t played there more or since 08?
Prado is not going to play shortstop.
smallmouth6
July 9th, 2012
5:15 pm
Chris, Carroll, or DOB: Why 15 days and not 30 on the DL?
Yes, bring up Constanza. He’s hitting .315 or let the guy go play somewhere else.
Lew
July 9th, 2012
5:15 pm
And if they call up Pastornicky to replace Simmons on the roster, who do they send down to bring up Constanza?
Heisenberg
July 9th, 2012
5:15 pm
How come nobody has suggested moving Uggla to SS and Prado to 2B?
I will be here all week. Be sure to tip your wait staff.
roger
July 9th, 2012
5:15 pm
I agree with you chc4 the Braves are at least 2 starters away from being a playoff team.
I_R_HUMAN
July 9th, 2012
5:16 pm
It’s like beating a dead horse but can ya’ll please just cut the whole “First” crap out….it’s just mind numbimgly stupid
birdo
July 9th, 2012
5:17 pm
Prado would be better than any other player. He can do it all. We don’t need another automatic out in the lineup. Wilson couldn’t hit a jackass in the rump with a bass fiddle.
splendid splinter
July 9th, 2012
5:17 pm
Right – bring up Pastornicky. Wilson can’t hit his weight. At least Pastor can get SOME hits. I have not been that impressed with Wilson’s defense either but if it makes FG feel better, play him as the late inning defensive specialist. But don’t give a prospect for 6 weeks of playing time. Simmons will be back by Labor Day, if not sooner.
Seattle Braves
July 9th, 2012
5:18 pm
Here is an idea.
Lets put freeman at SS and trade for Albert pujols. becuasse that is equal to what everyone on this chat board is saying about Prado to SS. THATS NOT GOING TO HAPPEN.
Tyler will probably be called up to back up Jack Wilson til Simmons is ready. No Trade needed. POINTLESS….
FJ10
July 9th, 2012
5:19 pm
No more OJT players. We’ve got two pitchers performing OJT. Get a defensive whiz at SS now.
Columbus
July 9th, 2012
5:20 pm
ch4@4:22 pm must not have been watching lately. The starting pitching has been great, even Minor and Delgado and Jair. Scoring has been the main problem, not the pitching. The young guys are coming around it seems and Hanson and Hudson are picking up the load every start. Braves are a playoff team and would make it in today if the season were over. However, they WILL finish 1st or 2nd in the division. Im looking for Washington to choke in the 2nd half and for the Braves to come together with hitting and pitching and win the division. McCann is back. Chipper is hitting great. Heyward is hitting much better than last year. Prado is steady as usual. Borne is awesome. Freeman is doign good but can pick it up a little and when Uggla gets going again we know what he will do. Braves WILL have a better record in the 2nd half than in the first half.
Braves are ONLY 4 games back. Washington WILL slump and Braves WILL score more runs. They are getting lots of hits most games. Just need a hit or 2 more with runniers in scoring position each game and they will be putting a hurting on teams regularly….!
I_R_HUMAN
July 9th, 2012
5:20 pm
Prado is not going to play short…..you people have to get that through your heads….
Braves rooter
July 9th, 2012
5:20 pm
Awww they will use Wilson and his measly 174 average and average defense. But that’s normally what the Braves do. We have better players in A ball but you can bet Wilson will be in there every game. Big glaring hole now.
washedupcoach
July 9th, 2012
5:23 pm
I’m a retired high school baseball and football coach. I always told my players that there were two names for head-first sliders: STUPID & INJURED! Studies have proven there is NO advantage to head first, but players still try it. Slide the old fashioned way, it worked for quite a few Hall of Famers.
bravesfaninwest
July 9th, 2012
5:23 pm
I would imagine Rockies are sellers and might give up Marco Scutaro for a pitching prospect. Once Simmons is back, he would be more valuable than Wilson because he can play all infield positions. Another option, for the same reason, could be Willie Bloomquist of the D’backs who can play 3B/OF.
scott
July 9th, 2012
5:25 pm
Simmons broke the bone in his hand (metacarpal), not one of his fingers (phalanges). Making a fist, holding a glove, etc would not have helped.
Mixxo
July 9th, 2012
5:26 pm
Get Esco back!
Lew
July 9th, 2012
5:27 pm
Braves are not going to go out and get a shortstop for – at most – five weeks (after the AS break). We need pitching and bench and that’s what they’ll focus on. We won with Pastornicky playing most of the year so fa and we’ll win after he returns.
If the Braves hit and pitch, they’ll win – if not they won’t – no matter who is at shortstop.
flagger
July 9th, 2012
5:30 pm
ANYBODY THAT SLIDES HEAD FIRST IN THE FUTURE SHOULD HAVE TO GO THROUGH A BUTT KICKING BY EVERYBODY ON THE TEAM….ALONG WITH THE MANAGER!!!!!!
Seattle Braves
July 9th, 2012
5:31 pm
The Braves are not in panic mode, so no need to trade fo a replacement. The Braves were happy to getting less than optimal offense from the SS position this year. Just so happened Simmons had other plans and was performing better than expected. So the Braves are back were they were at the start of the year. Asking for solid defense and ok with a .230-.250 hitter.
Also you dont mess with is working, which is the outfield of Prado, Bourne, and Heyward. Stop with the Prado playing SS, that is just stupid.
indigo
July 9th, 2012
5:31 pm
I believe there is an under appreciation of what a difference a superior defensive player can make in a game. This loss will hurt. You give an extra out to major league teams in a few innings, it will cost you.
We need Simmons back.
Heisenberg
July 9th, 2012
5:32 pm
Honestly I am not sure I can go until Friday seeing all the proposals of who should play SS the next 5-6 weeks. May have to go hang out on the Philly blog and poke some fun.
Seattle Braves
July 9th, 2012
5:32 pm
Listen to LEW
FJ10
July 9th, 2012
5:33 pm
All the great plays Simmons made were with one run leads. Defense makes pitchers GOOD.
GAtor
July 9th, 2012
5:35 pm
Does this extend the Braves Monday losing streak?!?
Frank
July 9th, 2012
5:36 pm
Tgram
We’re looking at probably around 5-6 weeks or so with Simmons being out. That’s 1/3-1/2 of the rest of the season. We know Wilson won’t cut it as an everyday option–can’t hit enough. We saw earlier this season what the Braves think about Pastornicky’s defense. I’d be surprised if the Braves didn’t acquire a stopgap like Brendan Ryan or Jamey Carroll to hold down the fort until Simmons returns and to most likely replace Wilson once Simmons returns. Ryan is excellent defensively whereas Carroll brings a little more offense (.291 and .290 BA the past two years and .274 career hitter) and can play across the infield. Both are relatively cheap, especially Ryan, and shouldn’t command much in trade since they’re both veterans on teams going nowhere this season. If I thought it would cost a lot to acquire a stopgap SS, I would be against the move, but all things considered, I think it’s the best option.
HAL
July 9th, 2012
5:39 pm
bllomquist if he doesnt cost the farm would be great hes a hustling prado clone although not as good of of a hitter
Preston Hannatized
July 9th, 2012
5:41 pm
Beachy, then Simmons, the two young hopes of the franchise, go down. Even Frank Feckless Wren gets a pass when so many bad things happen.
JKP
July 9th, 2012
5:42 pm
@ jason Escobar can rake…really? He’s projected to hit .260 with 10 homers and 58 RBI. If I hit .260/10/58 at the major league level, I would be quite proud of myself. But, I would not consider myself one who ‘rakes.’
Fan of the Game
July 9th, 2012
5:46 pm
I believe Wilson can do the job. Maybe it will be only 4 weeks. Don’t trade away potential talent just to finish out the year. Remember the Len Barker trade?
cowdogit
July 9th, 2012
5:47 pm
It’s about time for Chipper to take another vacation, Prado will need to play third, Unless Fredi is ready to turn third over to Francisco.
Frank
July 9th, 2012
5:49 pm
Fan of the Game
It would take very little to get one of the stopgap SS options via trade. We’re not talking top prospects here. We’re talking guys who, if you were to rank the Braves prospects, would probably fall in the 25-50 range.
iopbrave
July 9th, 2012
5:51 pm
Let’s bring Raffy Ramirez back
Jeff R
July 9th, 2012
5:51 pm
Braves are not going to go out and get a shortstop for – at most – five weeks (after the AS break). We need pitching and bench and that’s what they’ll focus on.
Lew’s right.
Jeff R
July 9th, 2012
5:52 pm
Jeff Blauser, anyone?
Jeff R
July 9th, 2012
5:53 pm
Beachy, then Simmons, the two young hopes of the franchise, go down.
They didn’t exactly die. These guys will be back. Cheer up.
Long time fan
July 9th, 2012
5:53 pm
Scutaro is like Wilson with a little more power. However, he is a good role player wherever he has been. I would bring Pastornicky back and pray. Also, we need to be optimistic that on August 1, our shortstop for the next 10 years is healthy. I don’t like head first either.
Mark
July 9th, 2012
5:55 pm
Dude would’ve gone into the typical rookie slump that all Braves go into anyways so who cares!!
Frank
July 9th, 2012
5:56 pm
Jeff R
The thing you guys are kinda missing is that the stopgap SS could also be a bench upgrade over Wilson and it’s not going to cost much of anything in trade to acquire said SS. You also seem to be implying that the Braves can’t do this type of trade and still also address other needs– pitching and a bench upgrade or two. Like I’ve said, the stopgap SS would cost very little in trade. It’s not like we’d have to give up a top prospect that we would need to address one of the bigger needs in order to get the stopgap SS. Getting the stopgap SS would have no effect on any other potential moves.
Jeff R
July 9th, 2012
5:59 pm
The thing you guys are kinda missing is that the stopgap SS could also be a bench upgrade over Wilson and it’s not going to cost much of anything in trade to acquire said SS.
Frank, that’s nice in the abstract, but who’s out there that Wren can get cheaply and is an upgrade over Wilson/Pastornicky?
Frank
July 9th, 2012
6:04 pm
Jeff R
Obviously you haven’t read my previous posts in which I mentioned a couple possible options: Brendan Ryan and Jamey Carroll. Ryan is excellent defensively. Carroll is solid defensively and has hit .291 and .290 the past two years (.274 career hitter). Both guys are veterans on teams going nowhere so I would think they’d probably come pretty cheaply in a trade. Ryan has the cheaper contract of the two–under $2M this year.
Heisenberg
July 9th, 2012
6:04 pm
Hanley Rameriz has finally made it into Ozzie’s dog house. Reunion with Fredi? LOL
SMOLTZ29
July 9th, 2012
6:05 pm
Pick up Marco Scutaro for a bag of balls and some $$$$.
Frank
July 9th, 2012
6:10 pm
Jeff R
Marco Scutaro might be an option as well. I forgot to mention him. He’s making $6M this year, but the Braves would only owe, at most, the prorated portion of that for the remainder of the season and then he’s a FA after the season. He can play SS/2B/3B and would be an upgrade over Wilson once Simmons returns.
reckingball
July 9th, 2012
6:12 pm
One thing that probably would have prevented Simmons injury is a pair of mittens.
Fredi G. should start making all of his players wear batting ‘mittens’.
Lew
July 9th, 2012
6:18 pm
Of coursde a stop gap shortstop would have no effect on other deals cause they aren’t getting a stop gap shortstop.
Lew
July 9th, 2012
6:21 pm
Almost typed “stop Gasp” shortstop. Of course, the way some here are freaking out, it might have been appropriate.
Hugo
July 9th, 2012
6:31 pm
I think Pete Rose managed to slide head first for about 24 years without getting hurt. No manager is going to discourage the practice, despite the genius analysis by iTiSi. You can get hurt sliding feet first, too. Maybe they should all just sit out every game to avoid getting hurt. Stuff happens. Deal with it.
Felix
July 9th, 2012
6:36 pm
Hate to hear that about Simmons. He is fast becoming one of my favorite Braves. He is a real talent.
cowdogit
July 9th, 2012
6:38 pm
Simmons is the best young shortstop in the majors, He needs a veteran to guide him through his adjustment period. It’s to late to warn him about head first sliding , but not to late to warn him about that heavy necklace that hits him in the face every time he touches the ball.
billy bob baseball
July 9th, 2012
6:39 pm
uggla, wilson, pastornicky, and francisco/diaz/henske when chipper goes DL again, a collective .200 average if we’re lucky holding down the 6-8 spots in the lineup. And people here still think the Braves will be in the wildcard hunt. Hah!
When they end the season with more RBI’s from the number 1 & 2 hitters than they got from 6-8, maybe Wren will realize that we have a problem that signing has-beens and never weres is not going to cure.
JeanE
July 9th, 2012
6:40 pm
Why not let Wilson start a few games and see what he can do? Call up the Rev to be his backup and give him a chance to sub while Simmons is out.
Brave Decisions
July 9th, 2012
6:42 pm
Is a trade necessary? http://wp.me/p2lqJ1-ab
NO MORE FREDI
July 9th, 2012
6:44 pm
God hates the Braves.
NO MORE FREDI
July 9th, 2012
6:46 pm
Hugo – Pete Rose knew what he was doing. Just a bad “break” for the Braves. (drum roll)
Jeff R
July 9th, 2012
6:51 pm
Frank, I’m still thinking that Wren going after a shortstop (even if he is a bench upgrade) isn’t likely, unless Simmons is out for longer than anticipated. I think Wren would pursue other options first.
Rufino
July 9th, 2012
6:51 pm
Jerry Royster is a good idea. He could slide in to a utility role when Simmons comes back.
George
July 9th, 2012
6:52 pm
HR contest in about a hour.
John Mayberry Sr.
July 9th, 2012
6:53 pm
I’d give Freddie Patek a good look. Him or Jeff Blauser.
Jeff R
July 9th, 2012
6:54 pm
God hates the Braves.
No, I think you do and are projecting – you megalomaniac, caps-loving idiot.
Muskrat Date
July 9th, 2012
7:02 pm
The Rev or Wilson? I’ll take Wilson. I think it’s pretty obvious what effect a leaky defense can have on the rotation.
When the Rev was up, I held my breath with every ball hit to short. According to ESPN, Pastor directly contributed to plus 15 runs against while AS efforts resulted in a Minus 10 runs allowed. To the layman it simply reads that AS saved the Braves staff runs and The Rev’s efforts led to allowing more runs than it should have.
Let the rest of the offense carry the Braves and let Wilson’s good defense make a difference. Nothing personal about Pastor but he is a liability at SS. He has proven that already in the big leagues. It would seem that the stability defensively is likely more important the the chance of getting a bit more offense from Pastor.
OldTimer
July 9th, 2012
7:11 pm
Anyone know if Sonny Jackson is available?
Yes Way José
July 9th, 2012
7:11 pm
We should call Constanza up and play him at SS. He’s fast enough and has proven to have tremendous hands. I really think he can be a great utility and outfield guy.
Robert C
July 9th, 2012
7:13 pm
another shabby reporting job by the AJC…..the 5th metacarpal is not the pinkie – that would be the phalanx. So get it right please b/c a fractured pinkie, in most cases, is far more benign than a metacarpal fracture.
Brownie
July 9th, 2012
7:22 pm
How about just a little common sense on this discussion??!!
Jack Wilson will NOT be the starting SS while AS is out. IF they bring Pastornicky back up, he’ll be the starter to give him the playing time, which is what he needs. No sense in calling him up and then let him sit and watch!! Besides, he’s much better offensively, and in reality just about as good defensively. Wilson has the range of a slug.
IF the Braves were to stupidly go out and trade for a temporary SS (and have to give away good prospects for that!!), they wouldn’t do that just to have him ride the bench while Wilson provides mediocre play at best. He would be the starter, and then be kept as a backup with Wilson being released when Simmons comes back.
Oh, and by the way…….Prado doesn’t need to play SS. Give it a rest.
TNScott
July 9th, 2012
7:22 pm
Maybe we can get Chico Escuela to come out of retirement.
Fladawg
July 9th, 2012
7:23 pm
Heisenberg…. Your back to back comments about Simmons being back after 15 days and why not move Uggla to SS have made you the runaway winner of “idiot of the day”!
Ed Glennon
July 9th, 2012
7:25 pm
Can Greg Norton play short?
monty
July 9th, 2012
7:26 pm
Hopefully we get the kid back the last 20 games of the season.
bravesgrl4life
July 9th, 2012
7:29 pm
Armchair managers. Not a one of us on here really knows what the Braves are going to do.
On another note, the son of one of my co-workers is a wide receiver on a high school football team in Gwinnett. About 3 weeks ago, he was in the weight room and a had an incompetent spotter. The son was deadlifting a pretty substantial amount of weight and realized that one end had become unbalanced and was sliding down toward his neck. He somehow got his hand up as the weight came down. It basically severed the ring finger on his left hand. It was just below the first joint above the hand and was hanging by a thread, my co-worker said. They rushed him to the hospital and the doctor was able to reattach the finger. He gets the cast off this week, about 3 weeks post-injury and they will splint it. Doc says it’s healing fine. Kid has a future in football, and as a wide receiver, needs both hands. I hope his finger heals, and I hope Andrelton’s pinky heals up quickly like this kid’s finger has.
P. Bull Terrier
July 9th, 2012
7:31 pm
Greg Norton is the answer at SS.
Muskrat Date
July 9th, 2012
8:05 pm
Good god why wasn’t Chris Berman under that lightning bolt at the Rangers game yesterday!?
That guy grates on my like fingernails on a chalk board!
Retire Chris, PLEASE!
Muskrat Date
July 9th, 2012
8:11 pm
“Jack Wilson will NOT be the starting SS while AS is out. IF they bring Pastornicky back up, he’ll be the starter to give him the playing time, which is what he needs. ”
What HE NEEDS? What HE NEEDS? What the hell do the Braves need? Do they need some guy that when a ball is hit in his direction all fans AND team mates hold their collective breaths?
Good grief,you, “never weres” that replaced your little league failures with statistic lust need to consider that it isn’t always about what some mediocre, over-rated prospect needs…. it’s about what gives the big league team the best chance to win!
VinceVanGo
July 9th, 2012
8:18 pm
There must be someone out there who can play 2nd, short, and 3rd, and hit at least .240 that can be had for a reasonable price. The Braves haven’t had a “super utility” type since Infante left, and they sorely need one. Their bench is extremely weak and with Fredi carrying extra pitchers the need for a “super utility” player is NOW! Go get ‘em Frank.
bostonbravo
July 9th, 2012
8:23 pm
where did “buffering” go from yesterday?? HE could play short & bat wearing a right hand cast. He obviously knows that Simmons must be a wuss.
I know nothing...
July 9th, 2012
8:25 pm
I hear Marty Perez or Denis Menke are available to play some shortstop…probably for cheap too -:)
Or my all-time favorite…Larvell (Sugar Bear) Blanks!
Try out Tejada…see if he has anything left in the tank?
NO MORE FREDI
July 9th, 2012
8:44 pm
Is Matt Diaz shagging balls with the kids tonight? Thought I saw him drop one.
Jeff R
July 9th, 2012
8:48 pm
another shabby reporting job by the AJC…..
You could do it better, of course. Hope to see your By Line – real name – on a newspaper soon.
beachcomber
July 9th, 2012
8:56 pm
Can’t let our super rookie’s injury make us lose focus on what is really important – a guy who can slot in with Huddy and Hanson. Another bench bat would be nice as well. Diaz and particularly Hinske aren’t their same old selves.
Jim Tavegia
July 9th, 2012
8:56 pm
This is a huge loss for the Braves. SS was now a position the Braves could forget about. What about Prado and a new outfielder?
cowdogit
July 9th, 2012
9:10 pm
As an animal lover I’ve spent my career rescuing sick an wonuded animals. Arrows cause animals to die a slow pitiful death.I don’t understand why Chipper who has everything would choose this way of life. I don’t like Chipper and never will, In my book he is no better than Mike Vick.
Grandma Giffin
July 9th, 2012
9:21 pm
Sheets through 4.
4ip, 5hits, 1r (0 earned), 4k, 0bb.
Grandma Giffin
July 9th, 2012
9:24 pm
Sheets through 5.
5ip, 6h, 1r (0 earned), 4k, 0bb.
73 pitches, 46 strikes, 27 balls.
MFin04
July 9th, 2012
9:31 pm
Wow, love the booing of Cano, hilarious.
Frank
July 9th, 2012
9:32 pm
Jeff R
That’s fine. We all have our opinions. I’m not saying it’s a guarantee that the Braves will make a trade for a guy like one of the three I mentioned, but I think Wren is looking to see what’s out there and it’s a pretty strong possibility a trade is made before Friday.
Also, think about this: If Wren wasn’t exploring trade options, why wouldn’t the corresponding move have been made today? If the Braves know they’re bringing up Pastornicky and aren’t exploring other options, why not go ahead and announce Pastornicky’s return now? It’s not like Gwinnett is playing again until Thursday night.
chc4
July 9th, 2012
9:33 pm
@Columbus
July 9th, 2012
5:20 pm
__________________
Clearly you only watched this last series in Philly. The starting pitching is shaky as hell. If you trust JJ to make 13 quality starts to close out the year then you’re nuts. As it stands now we need to hope and pray Hanson & Hudson stay healthy. Pray JJ doesn’t implode again. And then there’s Minor and Delgado. Neither are much to get excited about.
Alaska Braves Fan
July 9th, 2012
9:34 pm
Look for Simmons to be back about the second week of September, at the soonest. Whoever steps in will pay most of the rest of the season. I join the chorus lamenting head-first slides. They just are not smart and can really cause a major problem even when only a very small bone is broken.
ABF
Lobosolo
July 9th, 2012
9:35 pm
Jack Wilson is a career .265 nitter, with above average defensive skills… If any of you expert evaluaters of baseball had a lick of sense, you would know that you cannot judge a bench player by his batting average… He has only had 60 at bats or so, with long stretches in between… Not one of you armchairs could carry his jock strap… Martin Prado can play anywhere, given the chance… his play at SS has been minimal… he is the kind of player that after a week of playing a position he will learn enough to become more than competent…. I wish you jolly rodgers would listen to yourselves… I have constantly asked this, but I’ll beat a dead horse and try again… WHAT MAKES YOU BLUBBERERS THINK FOR ONE MOMENT YOU ARE ANY KIND OF EXPERT ON ANYTHING TO DO WITH MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL???? You IDIOTS have got to be kidding…. This game would be so, so much more enjoyable for you if you put an iota’s worth of time into LEARNING about it… smh, what a bunch of maroons,,,
Lester X
July 9th, 2012
9:36 pm
Felix said: “Hate to hear that about Simmons”
Jeff R said: “God hates Braes”
I HATE MEEBO BAR.
David O'Brien
July 9th, 2012
9:37 pm
Chris, Carroll, or DOB: Why 15 days and not 30 on the DL?
There is no 30-day DL. 15- or 60-day DL, those are the two options in majors.
Buddy Landel
July 9th, 2012
9:38 pm
Ditto. You can add Stuart Scott and Stephen A Smith to that as well
Alaska Braves Fan
July 9th, 2012
9:39 pm
Lobosolo: How do you REALLY feel about the posts you see on this blog?
ABF
Buddy Landel
July 9th, 2012
9:39 pm
Muskrat Date
July 9th, 2012
8:05 pm
Good god why wasn’t Chris Berman under that lightning bolt at the Rangers game yesterday!?
That guy grates on my like fingernails on a chalk board!
Retire Chris, PLEASE
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
the above post was supposed to be pasted here
mpimentel
July 9th, 2012
9:39 pm
The wilson sign it was a stupid move…why sign a bench player without the capacity to fill for a urgency not one bt twice in the first half of the season…SO WHY HAVE. HIM??….relase him and find not just one but two ss to replace the ONE that is injured!!!……craps!!!!!
Alaska Braves Fan
July 9th, 2012
9:43 pm
With the Wilson/Pastornicky option, SS is not our greatest need. For the second half, we have to have more consistent pitching from the whole staff, not just Hudson and Hanson; and we need at least one more reliable bat off the bench. The truth is that we simply WILL NOT find the equivalent of Simmons to step in. NO MORE HEAD-FIRST SLIDES!
ABF
mpimentel
July 9th, 2012
9:45 pm
Wilson is the worst current MLB player…so we have him in bench and can’t replace any of the ss kids? So why have him? Release him…find not one but two ss…
Grandma Giffin
July 9th, 2012
9:51 pm
Final line on sheets.
5.2ip, 3 runs, (2 earned), 7h, 4k, 0bb.
89 pitches, 58 for strikes
mpimentel
July 9th, 2012
10:01 pm
Can’t remember the last time a brave steped at home in a homerun derby…talking about a constant offensive lackness…i
OTP
July 9th, 2012
10:06 pm
We would not even be talking about this if we had just kept Furcal! (Just kidding, sort of.)
Bo
July 9th, 2012
10:17 pm
I stated last year after Jason got hurt sliding in head first, anyone sliding in head first from now on is Fined Period.
agooddem
July 9th, 2012
10:37 pm
I don’t know who is worst, obama or Patornicky. Both are sorry at what they do
cowdogit
July 9th, 2012
10:41 pm
After Constanza was sent down, Simmons became the spark plug. With no spark plug, the team walks around like nine tired Zombies.
Brandon
July 9th, 2012
10:53 pm
if the braves don’t trade for a ss, they definitely need to start wilson and use pastornicky off the bench. since joining the braves last season, wilson has only had 120 at bats total. I don’t know any player that could gain any consistency with that amount of limited play. I’m not saying that he will be the all star that he was in 2004, but considering that he hit in the .250 range or above ( in every season before coming to the braves with limited playing time), there is nothing that would lead me to believe that he can’t do the same now.
pastornicky’s bat can help the bench temporarily
Also, ben sheets has looked pretty good in his 2 outings. Hopefully he can make a good impact
kral
July 9th, 2012
11:11 pm
sometimes reading blogs you read stuff…and think some people live in ‘LA LA LAND’…you don’t trade yet idiots…you use the pastor…for now and work from there
77CrimsonTide
July 9th, 2012
11:22 pm
The Braves should move McCann to shortstop, Prado to catcher and call up Constanza to play LF. Prado would be an awesome catcher with his agility and speed. McCann would be a power hitting shortstop. Constanza is best left fielder in the organization.
Brownie
July 9th, 2012
11:22 pm
Muskrat Date (8:11) – you seem a little overhyped….too much coffee? too much booze?
The Braves have made it quite clear that they view Pastornicky as their future utility guy. With Infante traded and Prado now starting caliber (in fact All Star level), their bench is pathetic. Not too much they can do about it for this year, but what the Braves NEED is for Rev to get as much experience as possible as quickly as possible. So, the options are either to leave him at Gwinnett OR bring him up to play. So what he needs is the same as what the Braves need, at least for the longrun.
My other point is that Wilson is NOT starting caliber and the Braves can’t afford to use him in that role – not for the next 5-6 weeks minimum.
I’ve never been a fan of bringing in rental players, especially one who is obviously no more than a backup. Simmons is a future all star, and you can pencil him in for years to come. It would be stupid to trade away needed young prospects to bring in a GOOD SS, even if one was available. Once AS is back, you’d have to trade him and ultimately lose on the deal overall.
Our greater need by a lot is starting pitching. If Wren is gonna work some trades, that is where the team will see the most benefit in shipping off our best prospects.
BLAUSER LEMKE DOUBLE PLAY
July 9th, 2012
11:32 pm
Trade Juan “non-brain” Francisco for Jamey Carroll
other option is trade for Brendan Ryan, Jeff Keppinger or Maicer Izturis
and after that DFA Wilson and call up Constanza
JoeBrave
July 9th, 2012
11:37 pm
Ugh! this kid, Pastornicky, Pesternacky, Pastrominicki, whatever the hell his name is, first off, WHY ARE some of your mentally challenged boobs, giving this no field weak arm scrub a damn nickname, HE SUCKS, I said it before ST, I said it before the reagular season began, and I’ll say it now, HE WILL NEVER BE a Major League ballplayer, he has the arm of a noodle, and a limp one, and the range of Touche Turtle! give it a rest, all this BRAT was and is and will ever be is AAA trade fodder, DAMN Just DAMN!
TRADE DEADLINE
July 9th, 2012
11:37 pm
Assuming the braves would acquire Greinke for Pastornicky Delgado and other A-AA prospect, the braves could be adquire Lowrie from the Astros in exchange for Teheran or Minor
then the next year they could be move Lowrie to 3B
Powder Blue
July 9th, 2012
11:39 pm
J. J. Hardy?
ahahahahah
July 9th, 2012
11:40 pm
@powder blue : JJ Hardy is too expensive,, and sure the Orioles dont want to trade Hardy in a postseason run ..
JoeBrave
July 9th, 2012
11:40 pm
Maicer Izturis would be a very nice pickup, however I think he is going nowhere!
Heisenberg
July 9th, 2012
11:40 pm
“Heisenberg…. Your back to back comments about Simmons being back after 15 days and why not move Uggla to SS have made you the runaway winner of “idiot of the day”!”
********************************************************************
You missed my other one about moving Chipper to SS.
sar·casm audio (särkzm) KEY
NOUN:
A cutting, often ironic remark intended to wound.
A form of wit that is marked by the use of sarcastic language and is intended to make its victim the butt of contempt or ridicule.
The use of sarcasm. See Synonyms at wit1.
ETYMOLOGY:
Late Latin sarcasmus, from Greek sarkasmos, from sarkazein, to bite the lips in rage, from sarx, sark-, flesh
JoeBrave
July 9th, 2012
11:41 pm
ahahahahah, The Orioles will not be running for any postseason, the shine is slipping off that turd!
JoeBrave
July 9th, 2012
11:43 pm
Please whoever suggested Wren trade T.Pisstornicky, for the love of baseball make it happen….yesterday,then Fredi will be saved from himself!
JoeBrave
July 9th, 2012
11:44 pm
and there we go, this blog has made me literally hate that kid! thanks!
Frank
July 9th, 2012
11:47 pm
Jed Lowrie is only making a shade over $1M right now and is under team control for 2 more seasons. Not a chance in hell the Astros would be looking to trade him right now. They’re going to be looking to move veterans who make a good bit of cash…guys like Wandy Rodriguez, Brett Myers and Brandon Lyon.
HEHEHEHE
July 9th, 2012
11:51 pm
@Frank: who knows ? sure any team wants a young arm like Delgado Minor or Teheran ,,,
sure the Astros could be take one in exchange for Lowrie..
Frank
July 9th, 2012
11:53 pm
HEHEHEHE
Who knows? I could win the Mega Millions jackpot this week.
hehheheehe
July 9th, 2012
11:57 pm
@Frank: Maybe lol …
but sure i prefer have a one young arm ready for pitch in MLB than a SS
all teams wants pitching all of them
Frank
July 10th, 2012
12:04 am
hehehehe
My point being that the Astros most likely view Lowrie as part of their future, especially given his friendly contract. They’ll be able to get prospects for the veteran guys they’re trying to unload. I doubt they’re looking to trade Lowrie unless someone just blows them away with an offer and I don’t see the Braves doing that since we have other much more pressing needs that’ll most likely require us trading at least one of the three young SPs you mentioned.
BraveDan
July 10th, 2012
12:05 am
We could dip into the past and bring in Pat Rocket to play short. lol
77CrimsonTide
July 10th, 2012
12:09 am
The Braves should trade Todd Redmond, Juan Francisco & Jack Wilson for Greinke.
Then trade Teheran and another minor leaguer for Hanley Ramirez. Ramirez takes over at 3B next year.
Then trade Hinske, Diaz and Minor to Pirates for McCutchen.
Problems solved.
Mike McDonald
July 10th, 2012
12:43 am
The Braves are a very tentative and fragile group. Simmons loss for most of the second half is calamitous. He was a miraculous spark plug who dramatically elevated the team’s energy and made good things happen despite conspicuous shortcomings from the team’s high-priced “stars”. In short, he was an amazing catalyst.
Unfortunately, his return is unlikely to impact the crucial stretch run.
What his short-lived presence has shown is how important it is for the Braves to have a major impact player to replace him.
The Braves, albeit fragile, have eight above-average position starters: McCann, Freeman, Uggla, Jones, Prado, Bourn and Hayward. They have absolutely no dependable and high potential second tier replacements other than the catcher
back-up. This is the crux of the problem and the opportunity to breakthrough in the second half.
Acquire Chipper’s proven and serious replacement now. He should be able to play either third or short. Play him at short as long as necessary. Simultaneously, stop relying on second and third raters, young and old, for back-up infield and outfield substitutions and pinch hitting. This year has proved that the rookies and the veterans such as Hinske, Diaz and Wilson aren’t going to be up to the task for a run for the roses.
In short, build on the fragile core assets among the position players, fill the big shoes at shortstop for now and the future and dump the chumps who don’t have what it takes to step up in the clutch and win one when the stalwarts need a special lift.
Doing this will make the pitching staff as good as their potential.
Not just a replacement for Simmons, but a transformation and then some.
b056
July 10th, 2012
12:51 am
Go get a short stop. that got range. We know that if rel play short it going to hurt our def. he has a weak arm and no range. We have to be strong at ss because our pict are not strikeout pict. They pict to contact. Rel is good for playing 2b because of his arm.
77CrimsonTide
July 10th, 2012
12:56 am
Great spelling there Hoss.
Nevada Roy
July 10th, 2012
12:58 am
I like bringing Constanza back but maybe he ought to replace Hinske who is hitting .202 and is in danger of going below the Mendoza line.
MiaBchBravesFan
July 10th, 2012
1:02 am
They aren’t the Red Sox, but the Braves can’t seem to buy a break.
I’m sorry, but I gotta say it. After seeing Saltalamacchia bang 17 dingers in the first half of the season, the Teixeira trade is looking more and more like an absolute disaster. JS should be hung by his sweater for that despicable debacle! It showed a vulgar and gross overestimation of the Braves’ playoff chances those two seasons while sickenly mortgaging the future for a player we only had for a shade less than one full season. Unforgiveable!
Regis
July 10th, 2012
1:06 am
Salty wouldn’t be playing over McCann right now anyway and he had done nothing in majors prior to this season. Simmer down!
Tongue In Cheek
July 10th, 2012
1:12 am
Speaking of a dead horse, I think the obvious move is to slide that great, old SS Chipper Jones from third to short, and let Prado and Francisco alternate at 3B. I’m sure Chipper can still turn double plays when any slow catcher is running.
Mr. Ed
July 10th, 2012
1:25 am
I’d like to see the Braves give Hayden Panettiere a shot at SS.
General Beringer
July 10th, 2012
1:46 am
Not sure what the Braves are going to do to patch up weaknesses. Wren has some serious work to do over the next few weeks. Hopefully he’ll get it done.
I’d urinate on a spark plug if I thought it’d do any good.
Ward
July 10th, 2012
1:51 am
Hello eveyoen! wonder if we have some imposters on this blog. Name we neber heard of……Hm………. Show who has the brains here. Then again they must be on drugs…..
Ward
July 10th, 2012
1:52 am
Must be Philly Fans with imposter names……..
General Beringer
July 10th, 2012
1:52 am
Whatchu talkin bout, Ward?
Ward
July 10th, 2012
1:54 am
You people continue……………………..
Ward
July 10th, 2012
1:55 am
I’ll come back when the blog is back to normal, and it doesn’t look like Alien names……Peace……
General Beringer
July 10th, 2012
1:58 am
Alien names? LOL.
Bring something to the table, Ward. I’m up for a quick serious discussion.
Ward
July 10th, 2012
2:13 am
Hello everyone! I hope the blog is back to normal…….What’s this about playing Jack Wilson. I mean come on! “The Rev.” Will do fine….. I know most find it hard to believe that “The Rev.” will be O.K.
Ward
July 10th, 2012
2:21 am
Most of the post can’t be real…..When you read names that sound retarted……Have to be imposters. Funny, and wacky stuff. People must be on drugs….
Ward
July 10th, 2012
2:24 am
Guy’s be ware of page 2……………skip it……….
Ward
July 10th, 2012
2:29 am
All, have a good one! Peace my friends…….Talk tomorrow when back to normal…….”Go!!!!!Braves!!!!!”
jeffrey d
July 10th, 2012
5:14 am
Good advice, Ward. I’m just going to assume there’s nothing noteworthy on page 2.
richbrave
July 10th, 2012
5:37 am
We’re doomed!
Morning Reads for Tuesday, July 10th — Peach Pundit
July 10th, 2012
6:01 am
[...] links around the web… – Andrelton Simmons, the Braves’ rookie phenom, will miss a month due to a hand injury. – Vince Dooley weighs in on Isaiah Crowell. – The Washington Monument may be [...]
Jim
July 10th, 2012
7:30 am
Everyone keeps calling it a “pinkie” fracture. The “pinkie” bones, in fact all finger bones, are called phalanges. The metacarpals form the hand, the carpals form the wrist, and the phalanges form the fingers. The fifth metacarpal is on the “pinkie” side of the hand, but it is the bone that forms the edge of the palm on that side of the hand. The metacarpals are the bones you would be likely to break if you punched a wall – or somebody.
Anti Headfirst
July 10th, 2012
7:34 am
I have seen some many injuries with regard to sliding headfirst into a base. My feeling is that this is an organizational thing throughout the majors and at all levels of baseball. Sliding headfirst first have major disadvantages with minor or no advantages. I’ve even seen slides into home plate. Now that makes a lot of sense. They call the catchers equipment the tools of ignorance but who is the ignorant one for sliding into the equipment worn by the catcher? Only bad things could result from this. This is a teacher point that should start in the minors to protect them from injury. The feet have much more protection to include shoes with spikes. I’m not condoning spiking a player but the shortstop or second baseman will have more respect for spikes than exposed fingers. Head first into the catcher-bad move. Don’t even get me started on sliding head first into first base……..
CRMAC300
July 10th, 2012
7:40 am
Need to find a decent fielding utility player who can replace Wilson when Simmons is back. Problem is, practically every team needs someone like that and they are hard to come by. Braves are just going to have to suck it up and score a few more runs while Simmons is out. Remember, Jack Wilson once had over 200 hits in a season with Pittsburgh. He may get his batting stroke with regular play. Pigs may fly someday, too, but we can always hope. If Pastornicky plays regularly, his bat will help, defense won’t. McCann and Uggla have to produce more in the second half, especially with Simmons out. Braves are still in good shape in the division. Washington can’t continue to play like they have. Neither can the Mets. Nats have won a lot of games late. That probably won’t happen in the second half.
knockahomerx
July 10th, 2012
7:41 am
GM Wrenn, Braves really should have someone design sliding gloves for our players. Heyward injury 2 years ago set him back big time. Simmons and Freeman, Freddie was sliding feet first. Frank prevent injuries, put doctors out of work.
milesarcher33
July 10th, 2012
7:59 am
The Braves are not a playoff team. If they get to the playoffs, they won’t go beyond the first round. Don’t worry about SS. Bring up Pastornicky, just to fill the spot. Don’t trade for a veteran starter. DO TRADE BOURN!!!! We’re going to lose him after the season anyway.. Get something for him now.
also, try to unload McCann ile he is hot.
Delbert D.
July 10th, 2012
8:06 am
The description is misleading. The 5th metacarpal is the long bone in the hand for that “pinkie finger.”
Braves Fan in Maine
July 10th, 2012
8:24 am
The braves are right there….. I mean lets face it marlins are struggling, phillies are done, strasburg is on a pitch count and mets are due to fail…… lets go out and get a bat and try to win this division… i think we can win it just need a little extra offense…. GO BRAVES!!
MikeY
July 10th, 2012
8:39 am
How about we trade Minor, Francisco, and Pastornicky to the Astros for Wandy Rod, Lowrie, and Lyon?
Lowrie could play 3B next year, and he and Wandy Rod would be under the Braves control thru 2014. Lyon would be a free agent next year.
Improves our rotation and bullpen, gives us a LH-hitting SS/3B/2B (and could sit Uggla against some RH pitchers once Simmons comes back).
CrαZy
July 10th, 2012
8:53 am
and could sit Uggla against some RH pitchers once Simmons comes back).
Ummm… Dan for over his career has hit LH and RH pitching about the same…. The problem right now with Dan isn’t RHP it’s all pitchers!!!
Ed Whited
July 10th, 2012
9:03 am
Andres Thomas still has some game left in him.
Jasons Shrinking Waist
July 10th, 2012
9:07 am
Santana scratched from Fri game vs Braves
Ankle sprain
Jasons Shrinking Waist
July 10th, 2012
9:09 am
Simmons out
Larvelle Blanks is in
Frank Wren
July 10th, 2012
9:13 am
Hi Fans!
I’m going to keep you guessing on this one. I called the Yankees about Jeter’s availability and I even offered Mike Minor, but they sadly declined.
Ohhh well, back to the phones.
Sincerly – Frank W.
Patrick
July 10th, 2012
9:53 am
MLBTR says that the Braves are not in contract talks w/Bourn.
There is no potential leadoff hitting in our system and hasn’t been for years and there doesn’t look like there will be one anytime soon.
I think the Braves would be making a HUGE mistake by not ponying up the money to keep him.
He and Prado are the two biggest reasons the Braves are where they are. The make the offense go and he plays an excellent centerfield. I know this is all worthless talk and worthless hope because I think we all know that they will not re-sign him and that’s a damn shame and it will come back to hurt the Braves for the next 5-6 years.
Lew
July 10th, 2012
9:56 am
No potential lead off hitter? Except for maybe Prado.
ncscoots
July 10th, 2012
10:02 am
I think the Braves would be making a HUGE mistake by not ponying up the money to keep [Bourn].
I lean towards making a play for him, also, maybe even overpaying a tad (I’d rather overpay him than a pitcher, for instance). Still, if he goes, he goes. Prado has hit leadoff before and done an excellent job at it. Don’t be blinded by SBs as a requisite for the leadoff guy; that’s probably the least valuable asset in a player’s skillset for that slot.
Lew
July 10th, 2012
10:02 am
In 137 games leading off, P{rado has hit .297, .339, .462, .801
Maybe he won’t get n quite as often and he certainly won’t steal as many bases as Bourn, but he would hardly be black hole material and would actually be quite good.
JAC
July 10th, 2012
10:05 am
How about teaching players to slide feet first. Head first slides just lead to injuries. Heyward’s shoulder injury last year and now Simmons.
DAP
July 10th, 2012
10:08 am
anti headfirst Sliding headfirst first have major disadvantages with minor or no advantages.
actually, i think the only disadvantage is increased chance to get hurt. its alot easier to avoid a tag when you go in head first. and you can still get hurt pretty bad sliding feet first. maybe they should ban sliding.
ncscoots
July 10th, 2012
10:10 am
How about teaching players to slide feet first.
Actually, when you do some research, you find that there isn’t a greater incidence of injuries either way, head-first or feet-first. Both about the same.
Even so, I don’t like the head-first stuff, either.
CrαZy
July 10th, 2012
10:17 am
I’d love top have Bourn back and I hope they try to keep him, but not sure if I’d overpay… Prado would be a fine leadoff guy and Simmons might even make a solid #2 hitter… I worry more about who we could get to play CF if he leaves more than I do the leadoff spot.
MVPrado14
July 10th, 2012
10:18 am
IMHO, Braves would be making a huge mistake by not re-signing Bourn. He’s a proven catalyst and is the leadoff hitter we have needed since Furcal left.
We won’t get anyone better – need to pony up.
Lew
July 10th, 2012
10:24 am
scoots – I;’ve heard that before, but I seem to recall a lot more hand, finger and wrist injuries occuring than ankle of knee injuries – I think it’s just that you’ll likely lose more time if you break a leg or ankle.
Venice Jim
July 10th, 2012
10:25 am
The real blog is now back to being listed under “The Daily DOB” as opposed to this impostor…
CrαZy
July 10th, 2012
10:42 am
Braves would be making a huge mistake by not re-signing Bourn
I think it would only be a HUGE mistake if Bourn signed elsewhere for much cheaper than most people think… The Question is at what point does the cost hurt us more than his value!! Could be a huge mistake either way?
chiefie
July 10th, 2012
10:58 am
where’s Brooks Conrad when you need him?
ozzie
July 10th, 2012
12:05 pm
Trade Uggla to AZ for Justin Upton. Move Prado back to 2B. Then in 2013 you are set at 2B, LF and RF.
Try to trade for Greinke but settle for Garza or Dempster. Heck maybe Shields will be possible of the Rays fall out of it.
Try to resign Bourn or shop for a CF (funny if it was BJ).
Pick up a 3B in the off season bc I doubt Francisco is here next year barring a Melky like transformation over the winter.
Out there I know but just the Uggla for Upton move would be a gutsy one.
doug
July 10th, 2012
12:19 pm
Certainly there has to be a formerr SS who has been out of Baseball a year or two who can field but not hit a lick. Oh ya, we did that trick before.
My 2 cents worth says the Nationals are still a good bet to be tracked down if Wren and Cronies are willing to pony up for the help. The return of J.J. has been Heaven sent, if Sheets has anything that will be a real bonus. A decent starter or two and a right handed bat with some pop would give the Braves ahuge shot in the arm. Just don’t give away the farm again if this route is taken, “decent” does not mean getting ripped off like that Texas trade….. worst deal in Braves history.
Even if Frank Wren sits on his … hands…… or looks for has bens or never bens a wildcard is still in the mix. Once MLB catches up with the NHL and NBA formats where everyone makes the playoffs all this postering won’t make our GM strain for answers.
Grandma Giffin
July 10th, 2012
12:22 pm
For all the Lowrie talk, from MLBTR.
“The Astros are prepared to move Wandy Rodriguez and Brett Myers, though Jed Lowrie is essentially unavailable.”
CDOG
July 10th, 2012
1:27 pm
PLEASE, GET RID OF FREDDY GONZALEZ DRINKING BUDDY ERIC HINSKI. WHY IS HE PLAYING MAJOR LEAGUE BALL IN THE FIRST PLACE? ITS AN INDICATION THAT THE GAME HAS GONE BACKWARD
Mark's for the Braves
July 10th, 2012
1:32 pm
What shortstop could we bring in? Another re-tread? Just use Pastor and Wilson and wait for Simmons. If we’re going to trade, get a starting pitcher!
Frank
July 10th, 2012
1:38 pm
Grandma Giffin
Thanks for posting that. Now maybe the folks who kept mentioning Lowrie will understand the point I made a few times yesterday– that the Astros aren’t looking to trade him.
Frank
July 10th, 2012
1:44 pm
Mark’s for the Braves
A guy like Brendan Ryan, Marco Scutaro or possibly Jamey Carroll would seem to be reasonable options. Carroll is due around $3.5M though so the Braves may prefer Ryan ($1.75M this year and arbitration eligible after season) or Scutaro ($6M this year and FA after season). Ryan is excellent defensively and Scutaro can play SS/2B/3B and provide a little more offense than Ryan. Either option could/would replace Wilson on bench once Simmons returns.
Frank
July 10th, 2012
1:45 pm
I meant to say “Carroll is due around $3.5M next year”.
Grandma Giffin
July 10th, 2012
2:05 pm
Chris Woodward. That is all.
(joking)
Frank
July 10th, 2012
2:36 pm
LOL.
Robert C
July 10th, 2012
2:43 pm
@ Jeff R :
my post: another shabby reporting job by the AJC…..
your reply : “You could do it better, of course. Hope to see your By Line – real name – on a newspaper soon.”
Do you work for the AJC or just pretend to? Yes, I could do it better by accurately reporting the injury, as there is a big difference between a fractured metacarpal & a fractured phalanx. You won’t see my real name on a newspaper anytime soon, because I have a different profession; but this does not preclude me from pointing out a reporting error which I’m sure was an oversight.
Not sure why you have an axe to grind with my comments, unless you somehow want to defend erroneous reporting. FYI, check out similar posts by Jim @ 7:30am & Delbert D. @ 8:06am today; they are in agreement with me – so why don’t you throw a smart _ _ _ comment their way too.
Ira Marks
July 10th, 2012
3:16 pm
We need a right hand power hitting outfielder more than a SS or pitcher. Wake up people, teams are bending over backwards throwing LH pitchers at us. We are overloaded with LH bats. If this RH outfielder can also drive in a lot of runs we are golden.
Frank
July 10th, 2012
3:27 pm
Ira Marks
Where are you going to put the right-handed power hitting outfielder that you want to acquire? Is he replacing Heyward, Bourn or Prado?
Lost Cause
July 10th, 2012
3:45 pm
Just bring Tyler back up and dump Wilson when Simmons gets back!
AtHomeGym
July 10th, 2012
3:45 pm
Seen Bourne do the headfirst slide at First more than once but haven’t seen any criticism about that!
Grandma Giffin
July 10th, 2012
4:21 pm
Ira Marks might just be predicting that Chipper will get hurt eventually, forcing Prado to third.
Frank
July 10th, 2012
4:30 pm
Grandma Giffin
That’s a fair point. The trick would be finding a reasonable and affordable option to fill that role.
Grandma Giffin
July 10th, 2012
4:52 pm
Brandon Inge? He can play a little 3b, OF.. becomes a free agent after this year. Just taking a look at some guys who can play some outfield and left side of the infield.
Grandma Giffin
July 10th, 2012
4:55 pm
He doesn’t hit for average, has a low obp. I think he might be a perfect fit.
Bob Davis
July 10th, 2012
5:38 pm
I honestly don’t know why the Braves would even consider (if thet do, that is) trading for another shortstop. Heck, Simmons will be back by early-to-mid August–plenty of time to be back in time for the stretch run. I see no need to be pushing any panic buttons here.
T'ville DAWG
July 10th, 2012
7:56 pm
The team can simply move around a couple of players until he returns. Prado can man SS until he returns and Diaz can handle left. Surely the team has a qualified OF in the minors, the org. is absolutley loaded with SS’s. Move a promisinG SS for an OF until then. It’s simple don’t make it hard.
7/10 News, Links, Discussion: Simmons to DL, Chipper in KC, Sheets’ Outing | MLB.Fans-Talk.com
July 10th, 2012
8:51 pm
[...] to Disabled ListAndrelton Simmons hit the 15-day disabled list Monday with what is termed a non-displaced fracture of the fifth metacarpal [...]
brent
July 12th, 2012
10:43 pm
To all of you who think prado can play ss, please dont post a comment ever again. Theres more to playing ss than you think. Pastornicky can handle it just fine for a month.
Paul Janish: Defensive Shortstop Provides Perfect Stopgap for Atlanta Braves | Sandy
July 15th, 2012
8:45 pm
[...] Atlanta Braves desperately needed someone to fill the void caused by Andrelton Simmons’ broken finger. Janish provided an easy and affordable solution. ESPN broke the news on [...]